The Adversary, Satan

Revelation 12:4-17

1. Introduction
   1. Last time we began looking at “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12)
   2. We continue this look at our spiritual enemy by looking at the “Adversary” (Rev. 20:2)
   3. From time to time, we need to be reminded of just who this adversary is.
2. The Origin and Nature of Satan
   1. Satan is not eternal, else he would be “God” too
   2. It is most likely, per Bible references, that Satan was a fallen angel (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4)
   3. The reason for his fall was pride (1 Tim. 3:6)
   4. Regardless of the questions concerning his origin, we certainly know Satan’s destiny
      (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 20:10)
   5. Nevertheless, Satan seeks to bring spiritual destruction upon men through his influence.
      (John 8:44)
3. Satan - The Enemy of God’s People
   1. His history of seeking to destroy those who belong to God is summarized in Revelation 12
   2. He showed his enmity to Job (Job 1:6-12)
   3. He showed his enmity to Israel
      1. David’s census (1 Chronicles 21:1; Exodus. 30:12,ff)
      2. Joshua’s accuser (Zechariah 3:1-2)
   4. He showed his enmity to Jesus and His apostles
      1. Speaking through the message of Peter (Matthew 16:21-23)
      2. Judas (Luke 22:3-4)
      3. Peter (Luke 22:31)
   5. He showed his enmity to the early church
      1. Ananias (Acts 5:3)
      2. Through the obstacles before Paul (1 Thes. 2:18)
4. Satan’s Great — But Restricted — Power.
   1. Outside of those under God’s dominion, he reigns. (Matt. 4:8-10; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11)
   2. Yet his power is restricted by God. (Job 1:12; Luke 22:31; Rev. 20:1-2; 1 John 4:4)
   3. Still, his power should not be underestimated even by God’s servants.
      1. The world may belittle him and laugh off his influence, but not those wise in Christ.
      2. Archangels did not presume to pronounce judgment against him. (Jude 9)
      3. Paul warned of his deception, treachery
         1. He can appear as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14)
         2. He tries to outwit the church (2 Cor. 2:11)
         3. He sets a snare to capture men to do his will (2 Tim. 2:25-26)
         4. We are to withstand his schemes (Eph. 6:11)
      4. Satan continues to seek those who belong to God, to devour them. (1 Peter 5:8)
   4. The armor of God equips us in the fight against our adversary.
      1. Don’t try to “go it alone”
      2. Rely on the strength of the One Who defeated Satan. (Heb 2:14)
      3. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Ja 4:7)
      4. God will “crush Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20)
5. Conclusion
   1. The one escape from the dominion of Satan: redemption in Christ. (1 John 3:8; Acts 26:18)
   2. You have a choice of two masters – and you can only serve one of them.

September 27, 2009